The availability of water in West Texas has been major concern, especially with regard to the Ogallala Aquifer, but some say biotechnology could have an impact on conserving that valuable resource.
The Texas Corn Producers Board hosted a meeting Tuesday evening for some of its members, as well as local legislators, on Ogallala Aquifer research and water conservation technology.
Jeff Johnson, director of farm operations at Texas Tech, shared the results of an ongoing research project concerning water usage and its effect on the Ogallala Aquifer and producers’ finances.
The project originated in 2003 and is a collaboration between researchers in Texas and Kansas, he said, adding that advances in biotechnology may play a role in conserving the saturated thickness of the aquifer.
Researchers developed a model that evaluates net farm income, water use and the status of the aquifer over a 50-year period to determine what could happen with slight adjustments made in water district rules and new technology. Johnson said the project gives the water districts an idea of how their restrictions and policies could affect their region.
“Compared to baseline, we had about a 20 percent improvement in net farm income at the end of 50 years, 15 percent improvement in the saturated thickness (of the aquifer) and about a 6 percent improvement in the regional economy,” he said.
By utilizing drought-tolerant products in fields in the High Plains, Johnson said, that would not only benefit farmers financially, but also preserve water for years to come.
Joe Keaschall, a research director for Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., introduced his company’s two developing drought-tolerant corn hybrid products that could have a major impact in areas that rely on the Ogallala Aquifer.
The drought-tolerant trait is a very complex combination of components that has to consider timing, rainfall, equipment, heat, economics and crop uses, he said.
Pioneer’s first variety, Drought Tolerant I is still in the trial stage, but Keaschall said the seed consistently shows a more than 6 percent yield advantage over other leading drought-tolerant corn hybrids.
Pioneer is also testing a Drought Tolerant II product that uses both native genes and transgenes — transfer of genes from another species or breed — to bring about higher yields and still use less water.
If it shows positive results this year, producers could see a limited volume release next year. The Drought Tolerant II product would not be available for several more years, Keaschall said.
Even though producers mainly grow cotton in the region, state Rep. Joe Heflin, D-Crosbyton, said he believed there is a market for all kinds of drought-tolerant crops as the primary crop or as a viable option for crop rotation.
“It will help us stretch those valuable water units out over a period time to help ensure a future for our children and grandchildren,” he said. “As long as (farmers) can maintain the profitability that they’re required to make or to stay in business, I think (drought-tolerant technology) is going to give them another tool in their toolbox, so to speak.”
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